Generally not, and especially not for short distances. For the most part, any discount you'd get from using a travel agent would be for a combined package. Still, it never hurts to ask if your travel agent can get you a deal on your flight.

How much does a travel agent cost? Travel agents may charge service fees, flat-rate trip fees or consultation fees. For example, you might pay a flat rate of between $100 and $500 for a travel agent.

Not necessarily. Travel companies may treat you better when you book directly — of course they will if they're saving a 40 percent commission — but there's also a bigger picture. Online agencies are an essential part of the travel ecosystem, because they allow easy price comparisons across a range of businesses.